Bentley showcases 3D printed gold Batur

While additive manufacturing has thus far focused on the more industrial metals to produce components or parts, little attention has been paid to precious metal 3D printing, keeping to more traditional craftsmanship methods – until now.

Though commemorative coins, statuettes, and even jewelry have been designed and printed, with the novelty of having something crafted with a new technology giving it a unique value, ultimately, the intangible element of having something made through time and skill typically wins out when it comes to crafting with gold, silver, and other precious metals.

That is until Bentley Motors introduced 3D printed gold embellishments in its exclusive Mulliner Batur – a first-time for such a groundbreaking process believed to be used in the automotive industry.

Working with renowned goldsmiths Cooksongold to craft the unique Batur parts, the special limited-edition W I 2-engined Batur was restricted to only 18, all of which have already been sold to Mulliner clients at roughly $1.65 million pounds ($2 million USD).

As a member of the Heirmerle-Meule Group, Cooksongold is based in the historic Jewellry Quarter of Birmingham, England, where jewelry has been crafted for centuries. This gives more than enough gravitas to the firm's capabilities in handling the limited edition Mulliner Batur.

Buyers of the gilded Baturs had the option to add 3D gold printed highlights to key driver touch points – front grille, Bentley's iconic Organ Stop vent controls on the dashboard, as well as a gold insert marker on the steering wheel itself.

While optional, the AM technique would add up to 210 grams of 18 carat yellow gold to the coach-built coupe, now considered the fastest Bentley in the company's 103-year history.

Every gold part in the Batur was digitally designed using CAD models before the printing process was used. Utilizing laser melting techniques, each gold part was made from 100% recycled jewelry ground to a fine powder before being built a layer at a time.

Before delivery to the client, each gilded part was hand finished by the skilled artisans at Cooksongold.

As its intro into the additive manufacturing space, Bentley committed $3 million pounds (US$3.6 million) to double its AM capacity at the Crewe factory to convert 3D CAD models into physical parts. The company hopes this will facilitate future applications for low volume manufacturing components and bespoke customer personalization.

"Bentley's approach to additive manufacturing is industry leading, evident through our pioneering use of a luxury metal in the design and development process of the Batur," said Matthias Rabe, member of the board for research and development at Bentley Motors. "One of the key benefits is that it is efficiency led, cutting down on the cost and complexity of a myriad of jobs but maintaining the value of a rare resource."

All the parts produced for the Batur were hallmarked in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter as a sign of having solid material authenticity. Furthermore, any parts manufactured in 2022 received the Jubilee hallmark, celebrating the late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee year.

"As Bentley embraces an exciting future, we see huge potential in advanced, innovative technologies," said Rabe. "Processes such as 3D printed gold will be a springboard that allows our customers an even greater ability to personalise, further enhancing the individualisation programme offered on every car."